Flying a HondaJet just got a little safer. Honda Aircraft Company today announced that the Elite II will be equipped with Garmin’s Emergency Autoland (EAL) system, allowing it to land autonomously when needed. It is the first very light twinjet in the business segment to gain certification for the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Honda says the installation of this safety tech has been “highly anticipated” by jet owners and operators across the States. As such, the company is also pursuing EAL certifications from regulatory agencies in other markets to give those abroad the same peace of mind during flight. Released in 2019, the EAL system directs the jet to a nearby airport for an emergency landing. It first evaluates weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal airport, then configures the aircraft for landing, guides it safely to the ground, and applies the brakes to a full stop on..
